Opinions & Interviews

Guliyev: Minsk deserves right to host world athletics championships

MINSK, 10 September (BelTA) – Minsk deserves the right to host the world athletics championships, said Turkish athlete Ramil Guliyev who took a gold in the men’s 200m event at the Europe v USA Match, BelTA has learned.

“Athletes are currently training for the world championships and this event in Minsk is a great opportunity to test ourselves, rethink our tactics. It is wonderful that more and more people in Belarus start taking interest in sports. I hope that this is not the last large-scale sports event hosted by Belarus. It would be cool to hold the worlds athletics championships in Minsk,” Ramil Guliyev said.

He noted that the Europe v USA Match has become legendary, people talk about the intense atmosphere of the competitions. According to Ramil Guliyev, such competitions will grow in popularity.

Belarus’ Elvira Herman said she was disappointed with her result in the Women's 100m Hurdles at the Europe v USA Match. She noted that she failed to perform as she aimed for. “Representing the European squad was a huge responsibility. It is great that world-class athletes came to Minsk. Thanks to hosting sport events, Belarus is gaining recognition in the world,” she added.

The Match Europe v USA program featured hammer throw, javelin throw, discus throw, 100 meters, 100m hurdles, 110m hurdles, 200 meters, 400 meters, 400m hurdles, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 3,000 meters, 3,000 meters steeplechase, 4x100 meters relay, mixed relay (200-200-400-800 meters), shot put, triple jump, high jump, long jump, pole vault.

Each discipline featured eight athletes (four from Europe and four from the United States). The winner of the competition in each discipline got €7,000, the silver medalist – €5,000, the bronze medalist – €4,000. Around 350 athletes took part in the event. Team Europe featured 14 Belarusian athletes.

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